Former Nokia exec nows calls for an axe to fall across management

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We’ve speculated that the sudden rush of executive departures from Nokia might be an indication of an ‘Ides of March’ moment at the mobile giant. Now, the former head of Symbian user experience design and Forum Nokia has called for the resignation of 13 key executives and claims Nokia is now following his own plan of re-making the company. Even if he’s an outlier, his suggestions are almost certain to set the cat amongst the pigeons.

Juhani Risku spent nine years at Nokia from 2001 was also head of Nokia Showroom, where operators make their decisions on Nokia systems.

To date long-time CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo has been replaced by Stephen Elop (Mr Microsoft Office), the chairman is going, while Anssi Vanjoki, head of mobile solutions, announced his departure only yesterday.

Back in June The Register published an extensive interview with Risku about his Finnish language book “New Nokia – the manuscript” which has caused a stir of controversy in Finland.

Now UK blog Mobile Industry Review has published an email it’s received from Risku, which calls for a vast resignation program at Nokia, which he calls the “GRO” or “Get-Rid-Of” program in his book.

His suggestions include named individuals with a few surprising suggestions.

One is Marko Ahtisaari, SVP, the boss of Nokia Design and former CEO of Dopplr, which was acquired, most think, simply for its staff. Risku’s damning criticism accuses him of having no “design education, competence or experience,” (update: although MIR appears to have got cold feet and removed the quote).

Others are similarly excoriated in his email.

He goes on to make several suggestions including “Work harder –> all DLT and top management to work during every second weekend, working days from 8 AM to 8 PM.”

You mean they don’t already?

So, what do you think? Think he’s right? Leave a comment, or if you’re a Nokia exec, why not email us?